Down Under School of Yoga - Porter Square — Attraction in Cambridge

As someone who applied to teach at this yoga studio, my experience was deeply disappointing. While they present themselves as a studio with high standards, my experience revealed a different story. The audition process seemed less about assessing genuine teaching abilities and more about funneling teachers into their paid 300-hour training program. After my audition, I received feedback suggesting I wasn’t the right fit—which is fine—but it was immediately followed by a recommendation to join their costly training (with additional discounts) as a way to improve and “align” with their expectations.

This isn’t mentorship or genuine support; it’s a sales strategy disguised as an opportunity. The emphasis on pushing their programs makes it clear that the focus is on monetizing teachers rather than fostering authentic growth or maintaining quality.

Adding to the disappointment was the unprofessional handling of minor details. I arrived two minutes late due to an unavoidable situation and was told I missed critical context about the process—a poor excuse to shift blame and invalidate legitimate concerns about their approach.

If you’re considering this studio, be aware that their priority seems to be selling courses, not providing opportunities. I strongly recommend exploring other studios with a genuine commitment to supporting and growing their community, rather than monetizing it.

Edit: Shocked after seeing this reply. I’ve already made it clear that I have no issue with receiving feedback or not being selected. They can continue pointing out my shortcomings if needed. However, the email (attached in the photo) serves as evidence that their approach is primarily a sales pitch. When I already have a 500 hour of training from the most renowned places in India, and I have come for a job audition, why would you want to persuade me to take your 300 hour course? I gracefully accept the verdict for whatever it be, and I am ready to move on, but they want me to do another 300 hour course with them, because they want to fill their seat. They fail to understand that inviting a large number of people for auditions and then forcing them to join their 300-hour course is not an effective way to fill...

Okay not sure how this place has such high ratings. I tried their beginner monthly pack because I have friends who go often and I’m disappointed because I really wanted to like this place. I can only assume there aren’t that many other local options for this type of yoga? Anyway, the biggest issue is that they overfill the classes - it feels like the whole of Cambridge crammed into one room - to the point where sometimes, people have to put their mats in marked out spots so we’re all tessellated and packed together like sardines. It’s really quite shocking.

This wouldn’t be so bad in an outdoors environment but it’s not. This wouldn’t be so bad if they had more than one teacher per class but they don’t. It wouldn’t be so bad if everyone in the class was experienced - but that’s also not the case. What results is a really chaotic, sweaty situation where you don’t get any personal supervision or correction. You’re entirely at the mercy of the instructor’s cueing (since you often can’t see the instructor with how packed the room is) - and I’m sure some instructors are good at this, and some are also not.

It’s also potentially dangerous. People go into shoulder/head/hand stand positions and there’s no way the instructor can physically get to a student if they for some reason lost balance or fell sideways - and because everyone is so crammed together, I imagine a domino effect and serious injuries waiting to happen.

On top of all this, the place is kinda gross. I say “kinda” because it’s not bad or particularly unclean, but it can’t NOT be gross with how many people there are and considering the limited bathroom supply (I only saw one toilet, and no showers). It feels like a school locker room, and everyone’s running late for the bus.

I feel like this place charges an exorbitant amount for what it is. Maybe the high Cambridge rent means they can’t make a profit or something? Maybe they are paying their yoga instructors so much that it’s bankrupting them? I hope it’s one of those two, otherwise there’s really no excuse. What they’re doing is unfair on the instructor, unfair on the paying members/students, and just really plain greedy.

I was gave two stars because everyone has been...

As a student, I’ve really enjoyed my experience at the Down Under School of Yoga in Porter Square. The studio has such a calming and peaceful energy, and the space is always clean and inviting. I’ve taken both in-person and livestream classes, and I love the variety depending on how I’m feeling that day. The Hot Power Flow is amazing when I want a good challenge, but there are also more gentle options and even Pilates when I want to take it a little easier. It’s such a nice way to reset and take a break from everything going on during the semester.

The instructors are incredibly warm and supportive, which makes such a difference. They’re knowledgeable and encouraging, and they create a really welcoming space for everyone, no matter your experience level. I started with the Newcomer Pass, which was a great way to try out different classes without committing right away. The studio is always well cared for, and it’s clear that a lot of thought goes into creating a positive environment. It’s truly been a lovely part of my routine, and I’d definitely recommend it to other students looking for a bit of balance...